June 24, 2002

Contact: Mary Jane Dunlap, University Relations, (785) 864-8853.

Rotary clubs name 2 recent KU graduates Ambassadorial Scholars

LAWRENCE -- Two recent graduates of the University of Kansas will study abroad in fall 2002 with Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships that provide $25,000 each. The KU Rotary Ambassadors are Christine M. Garton of Olathe and Holly L. Hydeman of Lenexa.

The ambassadorial scholarship is funded by the Rotary Foundation of Evanston, Ill., to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries. While abroad, scholars serve as ambassadors of goodwill in the host country and give presentations about their homelands. Upon returning home, scholars share with local Rotarians and others the experiences that led to greater understanding of their host countries.

Biographical information about each scholar follows:

Christine M. Garton, May 2001 graduate in business and May 2002 graduate in French, plans a career in international relations and public service. She is the daughter of James and Nancy Garton, Olathe, and a graduate of Olathe South High School. The Lawrence Rotary Club of Lawrence sponsors her scholarship.

Garton will work on a master's degree in international affairs at the Sciences Po, or l'Institut d'Etudes Politiques in Paris. The school is the alma mater of French President Jacques Chirac and former U.N. Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali. Garton plans to study law when she returns to the United States.

Since January 2002, Garton has been working as a paralegal for a law firm in Philadelphia. In July and August, she will work as an editorial intern in the Paris offices for Glamour magazine. The fall term at the Sciences Po begins in October. At KU, Garton was named to the USA Today 2001 Academic Team in recognition of her founding of Music Mentors Society, which teamed KU music education students as music tutors with children in Lawrence. A group of KU tutors and schoolchildren performed at the White House on Dec. 28, 2000.

Holly L. Hydeman, Lenexa, May 2002 graduate in chemical engineering, plans to work on a graduate diploma in legal studies at St. Catherine's College in Oxford University in England. Hydeman is the daughter of Doug and Debbie Hydeman, Lenexa, and a graduate of Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. The Jayhawk Rotary Club of Lawrence sponsors her scholarship.

When she returns from England, Hydeman plans to pursue a degree in patent law, which requires a strong science background. A long-term goal is to assist in the transfer of data -- new medical or technical information, for example -- across international borders.

This summer Hydeman has an internship with ExxonMobil Corp. offices in New Orleans. She is assigned to offshore production reviewing data for offshore reservoir facilities in California. At KU, Hydeman was a Wal-Mart Competitive Edge Scholar and served as chapter president of Tau Beta Pi, a national honor society in engineering. She also was on the executive board of Chi Omega, a social sorority.